Recently,five years have passed since the first steps were taken by the largest and most well-equipped Mars rover called Curiosity. The energy that powers the Mars rovers is generated by atomic decay. Radioisotope generators have an estimated lifetime of 14 years. Therefore, barring unexpected technical glitches, the rover should operate until 2026. Already, however, during its five years of exploration, it has repeatedly confirmed to scientists that Mars is also a “living planet“
These performances are by no means groundbreaking when compared to Earth\’s probes: since landing on August 6, 2012,on the surface of Mars,it has traveled just under 19 kmand climbed 180 metersin elevationfrom its landing point. However, in the field of space conquest, this is a very significant meter.
Indeed, this space “explorer” fulfills all the expectations placed upon it. And its size is comparable to the famous Mini Cooper. It proves once again that size does not play a major role in the conquest of a place in the solar system. Recently, Curiosity traversed the bottom of Gale Crater, 145 kmwide, which was once a freshwater lake. 
The results of the laboratory on board the rover are also noteworthy. It has been confirmed that on prehistoric Mars, simple organisms inhabited the planet for millions of years. Thus, the question for scientists is why life disappeared from Mars, why the loss of flowing water, and what brought about the change in an atmosphere that was once denser than Earth\’s. Scientists are equally interested in the phenomenon of methane appearing and disappearing again in the atmosphere.
Even if the distance traveled is not so important,NASA has prepared a video of the entire journey of the mechanical probe.
Future Challenges
The emblem “Bella Cooper Rubin,” named for the late astronaut (1928 -2016) who also helped present direct evidence of the existence of dark matter in space, is the next destination for our handy explorer. since August 7, Curiosity has been climbing the slopes of Mount Sharp and collecting rock samples.
Scientists estimate that less than two years are needed to complete all of the mission\’s objectives. After the goals were met, NASA decided to extend the program, although a similar new probe will be launched in 2020. If all goes well, however, Curiosity can be expected to work until its energy is depleted and fulfill its purpose beyond optimistic expectations.
